Shenandoah Valley Head Start

Job Description

Position Title:Head Start Lead Teacher

Reports To:Education Coordinator

FLSA Status:Exempt

Summary:

  • The Head Start lead teacher has the responsibility for assisting with the development of training plans for the instructional staff of the program. The lead teacher plans, organizes and implements training for instructional staff and related personnel as it applies in teaching in the Head Start classroom.
  • The Head Start lead teacher will mentor, model and assess the effectiveness of the training provided to instructional staff and support staff working the Head Start classroom.
  • The Head Start lead teacher will coordinate all training activities with service area coordinators, support staff, teachers, and instructional assistants as they relate to the instructional program.
  • The Head Start lead teacher will assist the education coordinator in the performance of duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  1. Plans, formulates, and assists the education coordinator in implementing the Head Start instructional program training plan.
  2. Provides input on instructional matters in the classroom related to staff performance in meeting program standards.
  3. Assists the education coordinator in determining what instructional supplies and materials are needed to meet the educational goals of the program.
  4. Provides input on the instructional training plan’s direction and leadership for its’ implementation.
  5. Assists service area coordinators in implementing training requirements set forth in the Head Start standards for classroom staff and support personnel other than curriculum related instruction.
  6. Assists service coordinators with the planning and implementation of special training activities for staff, children and parents and supporting agencies.
  7. Assist the education coordinator with other program duties related to instruction as assigned.
  8. Assist Disabilities Coordinator in developing and implementing strategies and techniques for including children with disabilities in the Head Start classroom.
  9. Will formally mentor identified teachers on outcomes, Creative Curriculum, literacy, etc.
  10. To assist with other program responsibilities, as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and abilities:

  • Knowledge of developmentally appropriate instruction for children ages three and four.
  • Knowledge of developmentally appropriate discipline practices for use with three and four year old children in a public school setting.
  • Knowledge of current educational practices and developmental theory for preschool age children.
  • Knowledge of proven practice in working in an educational setting with high needs children and their families.
  • Ability to write correspondence, plans and other forms of communication.
  • Ability to relate appropriately to and coordinate ideas with the people being served.
  • Ability to solve problems.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of methods, including computer technology.
  • Ability to gather and analyze data and make concise, accurate reports with recommendations.

Education and Experiences:

  1. The Head Start lead teacher is an experienced teacher with a minimum of ten years of documented successful teaching in a NK-3 public school environment.
  2. The lead teacher is experience in providing mentoring, modeling, training and leadership to other professional teachers in a variety of situations.
  3. The lead teacher has experience in working with children of high need, ESL populations and special needs students.
  4. The lead teacher must have a NK-3 public school certificate.
  5. The lead teacher shall have a minimum of a Master’s degree in early childhood instruction or related field required.

Terms of Contract:

The Head Start lead teacher will be placed on the teacher scale commensurate with years of experience in a public school setting NK-3 and professional training certifications honored by Augusta County Schools.

EVALUATION Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of administrative personnel.

Approved by Policy Council: April 15, 2004

Personnel: LeadTeacherJobDescription.rev